Community Relations Director

The Community Relations Director serves as a key member of the Administrative Staff and is responsible for strengthening relationships between the City, its residents, businesses, community organizations, regional partners, and other stakeholders. The position develops and coordinates community engagement initiatives, supports the City’s communications and public outreach efforts, identifies and pursues grant funding opportunities, and assists the City Manager with administrative, strategic, and special-project responsibilities.

Working directly under the direction of the City Manager, the Community Relations Director serves as a liaison between the City Manager’s Office and the community and helps ensure that residents, businesses, and community partners receive responsive, professional, and consistent service from the City.

The position requires considerable independent judgment, discretion, diplomacy, political awareness, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced municipal environment while maintaining regular communication and alignment with the City Manager.

• Develops and implements strategies to build positive, productive relationships between the City and its residents, businesses, civic organizations, schools, nonprofit organizations, regional partners, and other stakeholders.
• Serves as a primary community liaison for the City Manager’s Office.
• Plans, coordinates, and participates in community meetings, town halls, public forums, outreach events, workshops, and civic activities.
• Develops opportunities for meaningful two-way communication between the City and the community.
• Identifies emerging community concerns and communicates relevant issues, trends, and stakeholder feedback to the City Manager.
• Builds relationships with community leaders, business owners, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and regional organizations.
• Represents the City Manager and/or City at community events, meetings, presentations, and other public functions as assigned.
• Develops programs and initiatives designed to increase community awareness, participation, and engagement with City services and activities.
• Assists City departments in developing effective approaches for communicating with residents and stakeholders.

• Researches and identifies federal, state, regional, foundation, and other grant opportunities appropriate for City programs, infrastructure, public safety, parks, economic development, community development, and other municipal priorities.
• Coordinates with City departments to identify potential projects and funding needs.
• Develops, writes, edits, and submits grant applications, proposals, letters of support, and related funding documents.
• Maintains a calendar and tracking system for grant opportunities, Final date to receive applicationss, reporting requirements, and awards.
• Coordinates with City staff, consultants, regional agencies, and funding organizations throughout the grant process.
• Assists with grant administration, including required reporting, documentation, compliance, and closeout activities.
• Develops grant-related presentations and briefing materials for the City Manager and City Council.
• Monitors awarded grants to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Maintains organized records of grant applications, awards, expenditures, reports, and correspondence.
• Develops relationships with grant-making agencies and other funding partners.
• Advises the City Manager regarding potential funding opportunities and the feasibility of pursuing specific grants.

• Provides direct…